Soften & Shine: Holding Light

Wilma Rudolph
6/23/1940-11/12/1994
Wilma was acclaimed as the fastest Black woman in the 1960's and the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games. She was a role model for Black and female athletes, and her Olympic successes helped to elevate women's track and field in the U.S. She was also regarded as a civil rights and women's rights pioneer. Her nickname was 'The Black Gazelle'. I first heard of Wilma in 1994, the year she passed away. I was graduating high school and had been participating in track and field since I was in middle school. I remember watching a news special about her life and accomplishments. Her story impacted me and influenced how I would take my first steps as a college student.

Summer is here in the northern hemisphere and it's the longest day of the year. As our part of the Earth turns her face toward the sun, the light lingers longer. On June 20, 2020 at 9:43pm the sun will be directly above the Tropic of Cancer and the season of summer begins. The warmth, the green, and the light are all part of this season's gifts. This transition of spring into summer is also a New Moon Solar Eclipse, visible across parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The summer solstice which means 'sun standing still', is a time to soften your body and allow the sunshine to ignite a renewed sense of purpose and increased energy into your life.

This moment in time is one unlike ever before. We are still in the midst of a global pandemic, with uncertainty as to how to reopen, socialize and reconnect. Our world has been turned upside down and many of us are still struggling to find our next steps with work, school, and reuniting with friends and family. The increased time at home has given us more space to explore what is happening in the world around us. We have a long history that doesn't align with equity, justice or freedom despite the words written on our country's documents. We are being called to awaken to this great need for change. We need to rise up, speak up, stand up with those who have been oppressed. The question lies within our own hearts; do we choose to strive for peace and act upon the transformation required? or do we turn away and allow those in power to continue to control other people through unjust systems based solely on the color of their skin?

I choose peace, which means I choose action. 

Those uprising in protest are using their voices and their bodies to make change happen, take the time to educate yourself on our country's African American history, and make a plan for how your presence can evoke the continued support needed for global equality and to begin the important work of breaking down the systems in place that prevent full freedom for Black Lives. Consider signing up for Nicole Cardoza's Anti Racism Daily emails which offer a clear and concise understanding on how to approach the revolution to dismantle white supremacy. Like yoga, daily efforts toward anti-racism work is a practice, it takes time, commitment, and a willingness to do the work. The force of energy is high as the sun continues to shine over the next few months, let's keep it going until all that is hindering the path of peace has been cleared.

Here are some movement and meditation offerings for 

our summer of action!

Yoga for Increased Energy

This short practice is meant to bring increased energy into the body. 

'Soften & Shine' is available now on Insight Timer. 

This guided meditation is intended to ease and honor the transition of spring into summer. Reconnect your mind, body and breath through stillness and sunlight.

Let's keep the momentum of this important time going, we have so much work to do. This energy flow is dedicated to 'Juneteenth' and a donation has been made to Black Visions Collective. BLVC believes in a future where all Black people have autonomy, community-led safety, and are in right relationship within the current ecosystems. BLVC is committed to a longterm vision in which ALL Black lives not only matter, but are able to thrive.